ND HB1433

State board of higher education administers a grant program to assist with student loan repayment for individuals employed in high-demand occupations in North Dakota.

Applicants must graduate from an accredited North Dakota institution, maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, have a non-defaulted student loan with Bank of North Dakota or participating lender, and work in a high-demand occupation for at least 12 months.

Maximum grant is $1,500 per year with a $6,000 lifetime cap; grants are distributed directly to lenders to reduce applicant's principal balance.

High-demand occupations are identified by Job Service North Dakota as those with projected growth rates exceeding the state's average annual employment growth rate for all occupations.

Grant recipients must contractually agree to reimburse the state for grant amounts received during the preceding three-year period if they cease to reside in North Dakota.